This page offers advice on different heaters to help you decide which heater type is best to keep you and your home warm over the cold winter months. We let you know the room type, fixing type, cost per hour* and cost per month+ of each type of heater available both in store and online.

The information provided is to be used as a general guide and are indicative of the types of heaters mentioned, however exact specifications and features will vary on different models and brands. Below is the key to help you decide what heater is right for you:

Fan Heaters

Great for: • Small rooms or offices • Personal warmth • Portability around the home

Room Type

Fixing Type

Cost per Hour*

Cost per Month*

2000W

2400W

Ceramic Heaters

Ceramic heaters are the most efficient form of fan based portable heating
due to their ceramic element technology. The key feature of a ceramic heater
is that it has no glowing parts and is therefore safer. Some units feature a
thermostat, timer and oscillating function.

Great for: • Small rooms • Quick heating • Personal warmth

Room Type

Fixing Type

Cost per Hour*

Cost per Month*

1500W

2000W

Micathermic Heaters

Micathermic heaters combine technology from both convection and
reflective heating to efficiently heat air and surfaces. The faster a heater
can bring a room up to temperature, the less power it uses, making it more
eco-friendly.

A micathermic heater will usually reach its maximum heat output within
60 seconds. They are also popular because of their quiet operation and no
glowing parts, making them really safe to use.

Great for: • Medium to large rooms • Quick heating • Quiet operating

Room Type

Fixing Type

Cost per Hour*

Cost per Month*

1500W

2000W

2200W

Convector Heaters

Convector heaters provide warmth by pulling air over a heated element. When the
heater is turned on the air is drawn over the element and rises up through the unit
and out the top. To speed up the natural convection flow, some models include a fan. Great for: • Medium to large rooms • Quiet operating • Lightweight & portable

Room Type

Fixing Type

Cost per Hour*

Cost per Month*

2000W

Oil Column Heaters

Oil heaters warm the air by metal fins that have hot oil circulating through them.
The large surface area of the fins allows more heat to be transferred to the
surrounding air. Oil column heaters are ideal for heating any kind of room.
Most models have 3 heat settings, thermostat control and a timer.

Great for: • Small to large rooms • Quiet operating • Portability around the home

Room Type

Fixing Type

Cost per Hour*

Cost per Month*

800W

1200W

2000W

2200W

2400W

Panel Heaters

Panel heaters are convection heaters and provide warmth based on the principle of
hot air attracting cool air over a large panel surface. Air is drawn over the element
and rises up through the unit and out the top through vents.

Radiant Heaters

Radiant heaters use quartz or halogen tubes which generate heat much like that
produced by the sun. The heat rays are absorbed by you and other objects but the
surrounding air is not heated. Radiant heaters provide instant heat and are ideal for
personal heating. These heaters are particularly effective in draftier environments.

Great for: • Personal warmth • Ambience (warm glow)

Room Type

Fixing Type

Cost per Hour*

Cost per Month*

800W

1200W

2000W

2200W

2400W

Dehumidifiers

A dehumidifier reduces the level of humidity by using a small fan to draw damp air over a
refrigerated surface. The water in the air condenses and drips into a collection bucket.
Dehumidifiers can extract up to 20 litres* per day and some have an adjustable humidity
control that can be set to your preferred level. Great for: • Damp or humid homes • Personal well being

Room Type

Fixing Type

10L

12L

20L

Disclaimer

* Based on 28.4c per kWh being the average kWh price across New Zealand (Source: MBIE Quarterly survey of domestic electricity prices 15 November 2015) + Based on 28.4c per kWh, average 3 hours per day for 30 days with a thermostat operating